438 replies to this topic

[dixon cox]

btw, where's the cock and arse pics man? I thought this was a naughty lb shaggers' site not Lonely Planet

Thanks Redrock, but I'm trying to plant the seed of Cambodia in your mongering minds so you can go forth and return with a hefty bounty of those aforementioned images for the troops.

For now it's only "dixon cox on a shoestring"... Your own Khmer experiences await

[dixon cox]

We'd packed the night before so while she slept I enjoyed my last early morning stroll from the Super Star Hotel, but I'd have to go back and wake her up soon. I had my breakfast (alone) at the Angkor Shadow at the bottom end of Street 172, close to Wat Ounalom. Angkor Shadow has a good location on a corner plot (172/13) so there's always lots of passing interest. The food is good and it's a guesthouse too with rooms upstairs, I never viewed them but I get the impression they are basic based upon the backpacker clientele eating below.


With a $50 deposit already handed over to reserve the apartment I now had to now produce the remainder of the first month's rent plus a further one month's deposit which was still to be paid. A visit to an ATM was in order, armed with more than one debit card.

Up until this point I'd been exchanging the GBP cash I'd brought over with me at some of the numerous money changers around the City. Some of the better ones are on the outskirts of the City itself or close to Phsar Thom Thmey (aka Central Market), many are located in or close to markets. However, this time I wanted to withdraw what I needed from an ATM as I wanted to keep some GBP cash in reserve in case I was ever somewhere I couldn't locate an ATM.

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[dixon cox]

In life we live and learn, as they say. An ANZ ATM down on Sisowath Quay charged me $4 for each of the two withdrawals I needed to make, bummer, but I later discovered there were free withdrawals to be had from Canadia Bank ATMs so I naturally always used them from that point forward.

There was a Canadia Bank with several ATMs not too far from our apartment up on Monivong Boulevard, corner of Street 110, the tall tower which juts up through Phnom Penh's low-level skyline. The ATM machine itself was situated in a little air-conditioned capsule outside the main building too, how thoughtful.

Although the apartment itself was furnished we still needed various essential items. So it was off to the Sorya Center for a tin-opener, washing up liquid, cleaning brush and containers, cereal, milk, bread, margerine and juice etc., there was a decent sized fridge/freezer to fill. Once back with the goods it was time to cool off and shower, which was when I realised we didn't have any towels, so I used a shirt, no biggie.

A few images of the apartment.

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[soulboy]

That kitchen certainly is well fortified I'll bet there was a lock on the fridge .

[dixon cox]

The first morning I had Kellogg's cornflakes, nice, but a little sugar would be good for taste and I'm sure the little tickly ants would appreciate the thought too. The internet connection is tried and tested and it's outstanding, i.e. it isn't working yet. So I go for a walk and end up on Sisowath Quay opposite the Grand Palace where there's lots of activity, even an elephant. It was a clear morning so the camera seemed to like it.

When I return she's up and in the kitchen making Khmer food and we sit on our sofa and share the fried beef and vegetables together, nice.

Then we're off out again to the market to buy 2 more knives, phone credit top-ups, 2 large and 2 small towels each (pink for her and blue for me), pegs and a few other small odds and ends. Then out again on the bike for a large 20L water bottle, 24 cans of Klang beer ($7.40) and a carton of 200 Winston cigs ($5). Sorted.

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[BigTel]

I like your " A pleasant rear entry" & your "My new back passage, seen through the concertina security gate". looks fine to.


Great Photos and narrative D C

cheers Tel

[dixon cox]

Even though our little apartment was a bit on the sparse side it felt homely right away and we liked it.

The feeling of making a base for the next three months was a pleasant one and we had some side-trips planned which would allow us to travel light and leave the bulk of the baggage here whilst taking only the minimum required away.

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[dixon cox]

That kitchen certainly is well fortified I'll bet there was a lock on the fridge.

I was shocked to discover the lack of security with regard to the fridge itself, but a burglar would've had to tip-toe past the sleeping security guard, penetrate 2 sets of locked concertina doors and another locked door with 2 bolts and a padlock

I like your " A pleasant rear entry" & your "My new back passage, seen through the concertina security gate". looks fine to.

Great Photos and narrative DC
cheers Tel

Very kind words Tel and much appreciated, cheers to you too

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[dixon cox]

After a few days in the apartment I noticed my sleep pattern beginning to settle into a nice rhythm and I often woke bright an early feeling fresh and invigorated.

A glass of iced-coffee, courtesy of a tinned Nescafe, cornflakes and a short read of the news and fora on the internet would have me contemplating what was soon to become a regular early morning activity most days. A long walk soon after sunrise before it became too hot, after all it was the hot season.

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[xyzzy]

Oh my, Klang beer.

[dixon cox]

Always busy first-thing in the morning at the markets, the activity makes for a great source of pictures.

Alongside Wat Ounalom at Phsar Kandal it appears bananas are in season.

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[dixon cox]

Oh my, Klang beer.

You can't beat trying to live like a local...
A case of 24 for $7.40 I gave it a good go